LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The mystery surrounding the purported death of online sensation Lil Tay, whose real name is Claire Hope, grew on Wednesday, August 9, evening after her former manager declined to confirm if she had actually died.
It all started when Lil Tay's family shared a brief note on Instagram informing followers that the teenager, who dramatically hit the spotlight, had died. In the post, her parents termed her death as a "sudden and tragic passing," adding that the "outcome was entirely unexpected, and has left us all in shock."
Who is Harry Tsang?
Tsang, one of Lil Tay's former managers, is urging "cautious consideration" in the event of the rapper's family posting an announcement of her sudden death through the teenage star's Instagram account.
"Harry Tsang is a digital media specialist who have an in-depth knowledge of influencer marketing; his previous experiences include being Talent Strategist for a multichannel network, as well as being a youth outreach coordinator and data specialist for multiple presidential and national recognized political campaigns. He also specializes in public relations and government relations," reads Tsand's LinkedIn bio.
'Cannot definitively confirm or dismiss the legitimacy'
Tsang claimed in a coded statement on Wednesday that he couldn't confirm her death, which only served to further the mystery.
He stated, "Given the complexities of the current circumstances, I am at a point where I cannot definitively confirm or dismiss the legitimacy of the statement issued by the family," adding, "This situation calls for cautious consideration and respect for the sensitivities involved," as per Entertainment Tonight.
"I am writing to keep you informed about the evolving situation related to the reported passing of Liltay. I, Harry Tsang, her last-known manager, feel it is important to provide you with the most accurate and timely information possible," wrote Tsand, stating himself to be the "last-known manager" of the teenage sensation.
"At approximately 9:00 AM Pacific Standard Time, Liltay's family released an official statement announcing her passing, as well as the passing of her brother. Subsequent to this announcement, I have been in communication with individuals who have an intimate understanding of the family's situation," expressed Tsang.
The ex-manager continued, "This situation calls for cautious consideration and respect for the sensitivities involved. My commitment remains focused on delivering updates that are both reliable and appropriately timed."
"In times like these, it is imperative that we prioritize accuracy and empathy. I encourage everyone to rely on reputable and official sources for information. We must exercise patience while awaiting further developments before drawing any conclusions," added Tsang, heightening the mystery surrounding Lil Tay's supposed death.
'Something not very real about the statement'
Later, the former managed claimed in a TikTok video that he sought advice from his psychic, who apparently suggested that "the initial news might not be entirely accurate."
Tsang's psychic, Psychic Eliza, clarified, "When I look at the messages, I don’t sense any soul crossing the line to another dimension. I pick up something not very real about the statement," as per The Daily Beast.
Lil Tay's social media manager, Duane Laventure, stated that the rapper's mother had asked him not to react. Victor K Sapphire, who was named as the legal contact on the "LIL TAY" trademark applications made on behalf of Hope and her guardian, likewise declined to comment.
In addition, the Vancouver police, where Lil Tay was supposedly residing as of 2021, claimed they had not been informed of any death either. The PD stated, "As of now, we are not aware and are not investigating," according to The Daily Beast.
